I named my business Serenity Images because the act of photographing takes me out of myself and helps me get closer to that quiet spot I strive for, where my mind is silent and I am only aware of my breath and the environment around me. Serenity first became particularly important to me when I began to deal many years ago with the effects of living with a family member who drank too much.

The themes of Passion, Simplicity, Tranquility and Perception are central to my photography.

Passion:I am passionate about this pursuitand I believe my passion for it helps me to make better and better photographs the longer I am engaged in photography.

Simplicity:Simplicity of mind is central to taking a good photograph. When I am too distracted, I am unable to connect my heart with what my eyes are seeing. For me a successful connection is necessary for a good photograph. As well, often the simplest photograph is the most powerful.

Tranquility:I am in harmony with myself when I am photographing "in the zone" and that harmony produces a feeling of tranquility. I am also inspired to photograph environments that are tranquil.

Perception:Everyone's perception of what he or she sees may be different. It is an interesting challenge to attempt to convey something by a photograph.

Anonymous on Perception:

"I've learned that two people can look at the same exact thing and see something totally different."

Jack Kerouac, on Passion:

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to
live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same
time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn,
burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders
across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and
everybody goes 'Awww'!"

Henry David Thoreau, on Simplicity:

"I do believe in simplicity. It is astonishing as well as sad, how many
trivial affairs even the wisest thinks he must attend to in a day; how
singular an affair he thinks he must omit. When the mathematician would
solve a difficult problem, he first frees the equation of all
incumbrances, and reduces it to its simplest terms. So simplify the
problem of life, distinguish the necessary and the real. Probe the earth
to see where your main roots run."

Swami Satchidananda on Tranquility:

“We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves
and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of
calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is
contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a
smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to
die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing?"